Murray said: "I just wanted to try and win a medal, for the team, for the country and lastly for myself. I'm so happy, I would love to win the gold medal.

"Before the tournament started that was the goal, to try and win a medal. So to guarantee a medal is great and I'll go for it in the final."

Federer admitted to being "extremely drained" by the marathon encounter, but he was finished more than an hour before Murray started against Djokovic.

Murray added: "It's been an amazing month and one of the best of my career. The support that I have had over the last month, after Wimbledon, I really needed it.

"All the times that I have lost in a Grand Slam final I've had a tough time afterwards for a few months. But coming here with the motivation of playing in the Olympics and with the support that I have had has been all the motivation that I needed."

I don't see why Federer should be so drained by his match. It was no longer than an average five-setter. It equates to a 7-6 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-4, five-set win. The only disadvantage might be psychological based on the numbers.

God bless the Olympics and the support. This really could be the making of Andy.

You know it reminds me a little of when Nole won Davis Cup in 2010 and then had his amazing 2011; there is something so cheering about having all those people pulling for you, and then to win on top of that. It's got to be an amazing, gratifying feeling!

I don't see why Federer should be so drained by his match. It was no longer than an average five-setter. It equates to a 7-6 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-4, five-set win. The only disadvantage might be psychological based on the numbers.

Fed will be 31 on the 8th. He's getting old by today's tennis standards.

Firstly, great writing Nigel, even though i did not get to see the match, from reading your report i got a sense of just how awesome our Andy was. i got goose bumps reading some of your words as my own mind attempted to imagine just how the two sets played out. Sounds like he was pumped right up for his semifinal match. Bring the same intensity to the final and i believe victory will be assured, oh and keep that roof open!! Secondly, well done Andy bring on Sundays final. Will it be over 5 sets or the sprint version best of 3?

Murray said: "I just wanted to try and win a medal, for the team, for the country and lastly for myself. I'm so happy, I would love to win the gold medal.

"Before the tournament started that was the goal, to try and win a medal. So to guarantee a medal is great and I'll go for it in the final."

Federer admitted to being "extremely drained" by the marathon encounter, but he was finished more than an hour before Murray started against Djokovic.

Murray added: "It's been an amazing month and one of the best of my career. The support that I have had over the last month, after Wimbledon, I really needed it.

"All the times that I have lost in a Grand Slam final I've had a tough time afterwards for a few months. But coming here with the motivation of playing in the Olympics and with the support that I have had has been all the motivation that I needed."

Firstly, great writing Nigel, even though i did not get to see the match, from reading your report i got a sense of just how awesome our Andy was. i got goose bumps reading some of your words as my own mind attempted to imagine just how the two sets played out. Sounds like he was pumped right up for his semifinal match. Bring the same intensity to the final and i believe victory will be assured, oh and keep that roof open!! Secondly, well done Andy bring on Sundays final. Will it be over 5 sets or the sprint version best of 3?

I have the same question running in my head too and i have learnt not to trust my brother since he told me that the semis and finals would be a 5-setter....and since the former wasnt true, I dont wanna ask him again......someone plz clear this doubt...

Such a courageous performance from Murray, which deserves such a brilliant report. I enjoyed every sentence making me see everything once again. Now I can plan my Sunday according to the Gold match. I'm excited and full of optimism, on the other hand full of fear. Consoling is that Andy already has silver. The crowd will certainly be more supportive and vocal for their man even if "everybody's darling" is on court. This time it must be Andy's turn!!!